Door handle

Abstract

A handle (1) for a vehicle door, comprising: - a gripping member (2) movable between a flush position, a range of active positions and an open position, wherein the gripping member (2) comprises a gripping return device (26) configured to drive the gripping member (2) towards the flush position, - a main actuation mechanism (4) movable between a range of main activation positions and a main rest position, and - an auxiliary actuation mechanism (5) movable between a range of auxiliary activation positions and an auxiliary rest position, wherein the auxiliary actuation mechanism (5) is configured to bring the main actuation mechanism (4) to the main rest position after a predetermined period of time after reaching a predetermined activation position within the range of main activation positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a handle for a vehicle door, also known as a "flush handle". Background Art

[0002] The handle for a vehicle door is a component that has a significant impact on the vehicle style.

[0003] In this regard, vehicle manufacturers often try to arrange the handle in the plane of the door so that it occupies a flush position, also known as a flush arrangement. A flush handle generally makes the handle as invisible as possible. Such a flush door handle also has the advantage of reducing aerodynamic noise caused by air impact when the vehicle is moving.

[0004] Due to the emerging new trend in the market of having motor vehicle doors, there is often a need for flush handles to combine this trend with the flushness of the vehicle. In particular, in the case of an electrical failure of the motor vehicle door, a mechanical flush handle is required and used as a backup.

[0005] A flush handle generally includes a grip member and is configured to be moved by a user to grasp the grip member and pull the grip member to open the vehicle door.

[0006] Such a handle generally includes a mechanism, such as a return lever, which has sufficient force to allow the grip member of the handle to return to the flush position.

[0007] However, if the user does not move his hand away from the handle in time, this configuration may mean that the user is at risk of pinching.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a handle for a vehicle door in which the risk of pinching the user's hand during the return of the handle, in particular the handle member, towards the flush position is avoided. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a flush handle for a vehicle door (such as a motor vehicle door), which is configured to return from an open position to a flush position with a smaller force.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates to a handle for a vehicle door, comprising:

[0011] - a handle member, which is configured to cooperate with a latch of the vehicle door to unlock the vehicle door,

[0012] wherein the grip member includes a grip portion, and the grip member is movable between:

[0013] o a flush position, in which the grip portion extends flush with the outer panel of the vehicle door,

[0014] o An active position range, within which the gripping portion protrudes relative to the outer panel and becomes graspable, and

[0015] o An open position, at which the gripping member is configured to cooperate with a latch to unlock the vehicle door,

[0016] wherein the gripping member includes a gripping return device configured to drive the gripping member towards a flush position,

[0017] - A main actuation mechanism movable between:

[0018] o A main activation position range, within which the main actuation mechanism is configured to cooperate with the gripping member and push the gripping member towards the active position range, and

[0019] o A main rest position, at which the main actuation mechanism is configured to release the gripping member, and

[0020] - An auxiliary drive mechanism movable between:

[0021] o An auxiliary activation position range, within which the secondary actuation mechanism is configured to cooperate with the main actuation mechanism and push the main actuation mechanism towards the main rest position, and

[0022] o An auxiliary rest position, at which the auxiliary actuation mechanism is configured to hold the main actuation mechanism in the main rest position.

[0023] Wherein the auxiliary actuation mechanism is configured to bring the main actuation mechanism to the main rest position after a predetermined time period after reaching a predetermined activation position within the main activation position range.

[0024] The gripping member, the main actuation mechanism, and the auxiliary actuation mechanism are separate elements, i.e., different elements, in other words, they are independent of each other.

[0025] The handle according to the present invention provides a mechanism in which the mechanical arrangement allows the gripping member to be displaced from the active position range to the flush position under the action of the gripping member return device after a predetermined time period.

[0026] Therefore, the gripping member according to the present invention is configured to independently return to the flush position under the action of its own return device.

[0027] Therefore, due to the handle according to the present invention, the return force of the handle is independent of other mechanical stresses, such as the mechanical stress of the background return rod. The risk of pinching is only related to the gripping member return device designed not to harm the user, and is thus avoided.

[0028] The active position range refers to a set of positions where the user can grasp the grasping member. The range can refer to a set of positions around the departure position, such as positions where the grasping member forms an angle between 12° and 15° with respect to the rest position or a single position included between 12° and 15° with respect to the rest position.

[0029] The predetermined time period refers to the time period before the main actuation mechanism starts to be displaced by the auxiliary actuation mechanism and / or the time period taken for the main actuation mechanism to be displaced from the main activation range to the main rest position through the auxiliary activation position.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary actuation mechanism includes an auxiliary actuation rod that cooperates with the main mechanism.

[0031] According to additional embodiments that can be considered individually or in combination:

[0032] The grasping member is configured to be movable to a pushing position, where the grasping member is configured to push the secondary actuation mechanism towards the auxiliary activation position range.

[0033] The main actuation mechanism includes a return device that is configured to drive the main actuation mechanism towards the activation position range.

[0034] The auxiliary actuation mechanism includes a return device that is configured to drive the main actuation mechanism towards the main rest position.

[0035] The force of the return device of the auxiliary actuation mechanism is greater than the force of the return device of the main actuation mechanism, and the force of the main actuation mechanism is greater than the force of the return device of the grasping member.

[0036] The grasping member is displaced from the active position range to the flush position under damping.

[0037] The return device of the auxiliary actuation mechanism includes a damper or a damping element.

[0038] After the predetermined time period, the grasping member is displaced from the active position range to the flush position.

[0039] The predetermined time period is between 5 seconds and 10 seconds. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 Shows a handle according to the invention in the flush position;

[0041] Figure 2 Shows a handle according to the invention in the pushing position;

[0042] Figure 3 Shows a handle according to the invention in the active position;

[0043] Figure 4 Shows the handle according to the present invention in the active position;

[0044] Figure 5 Shows the handle according to the present invention in the flush position;

[0045] Figure 6 Is a top view of the handle according to the present invention in the open position. Detailed Description

[0046] Referring to Figures 1 to 6 , the handle 1 according to the present invention includes a grip member 2.

[0047] The handle member 2 is configured to cooperate with the latch 3 of the vehicle door to unlock the vehicle door. The handle 1 enables a user to open the vehicle door, which includes an outer panel represented by a dashed line 12 ( Figure 1 ).

[0048] The grip member 2 includes a grip portion 22 and a grip rod 24. The grip portion 22 is configured to be gripped by a user attempting to open the door. The grip portion 22 is connected to the grip rod 24.

[0049] The grip rod 24 has a first end 24a connected to the grip portion 22 and a second end 24b configured to cooperate with the latch 3 to activate the latch 3. The grip rod 24 is rotatably mounted about a grip axis 240 with respect to a mounting bracket 10.

[0050] The grip portion 22 includes a recess 220 configured to receive at least one or more fingers for gripping.

[0051] The grip member 2 is movable between a flush position ( Figure 1 ) in which the grip portion 22 extends flush with the outer panel 12 of the vehicle door, a range of active positions ( Figure 3 ) in which the grip portion 22 projects relative to the outer panel 12 and becomes grippable, and an open position ( Figure 4 ) in which the grip member 2 is configured to cooperate with the latch to unlock the vehicle door.

[0052] The handle 1 is configured to be movable such that when the grip portion 22 is displaced, the grip rod 24 rotates about the grip axis 240.

[0053] Figure 1 And Figure 5 The flush position is shown in. In this position, the grip portion 22 extends flush with the outer panel 12 of the vehicle door. To this end, the grip portion 22 includes an outer surface substantially aligned with the outer panel as shown in Figure 1 .

[0054] The range of active positions is at Figure 3Shown at this position, the grip portion 22 protrudes outward relative to the outer panel so that the grip recess 220 is accessible to the user.

[0055] The grip member 2 is configured to reach an open position after being in the active position. In addition, the grip member 2 is configured to cooperate with the latch 3 to unlock the door when placed in the open position.

[0056] The grip member 2 includes a grip return device 26 that is configured to drive the grip member 2 toward the flush position ( Figure 1 ), that is, according to Figure 1 the arrow 242 in Figure 3 ), to return the grip member 2 from the active position ( Figure 1 ) to the flush position (

[0057] ). In particular, the grip return device 26 may include a torsion spring.

[0058] The handle of the present invention further includes a main actuation mechanism 4. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ), and a main rest position ( Figure 1 ). In the main activation position range, the main actuation mechanism 4 is configured to cooperate with the grip portion 22 and push the grip portion 22 toward the active position range. And in the main rest position, the main actuation mechanism 4 is configured to release the grip portion 22.

[0059] The main actuation mechanism 4 includes a main actuation return device 42 that is configured to drive the main actuation mechanism 4 toward the activation position range according to the arrow 420 in Figure 1 . In particular, the main actuation return device 42 may include a torsion spring.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the main actuation mechanism 4 includes a main actuation rod 44. The main actuation rod 44 is rotatably mounted about the main activation rotation axis 422 with respect to the mounting bracket 10. According to this embodiment, the main actuation return device 42 is configured to drive the main actuation rod 44 toward the activation position range according to the arrow 420 in Figure 1 .

[0061] The main actuation rod 44 is configured to cooperate with the grip member 2 to drive the grip member 2 between the flush position and the active position.

[0062] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the main actuation rod 44 cooperates with the grip member 2 to drive the grip member 2 from the flush position to the active position. More specifically, the main actuation rod 44 is configured to push the grip rod 24 so that the grip portion 22 protrudes outward relative to the outer panel 12 of the vehicle door.

[0063] The handle 1 of the present invention further includes an auxiliary actuation mechanism 5.

[0064] The auxiliary actuation mechanism 5 is movable between an auxiliary activation position range ( Figure 3 ) and an auxiliary rest position ( Figure 1 ). In the auxiliary activation position range, the auxiliary actuation mechanism 5 is configured to cooperate with the main actuation mechanism 4 and push the main actuation mechanism 4 towards the main rest position ( Figure 1 ), and in the auxiliary rest position ( Figure 1 ), the auxiliary actuation mechanism 5 is configured to hold the main actuation mechanism 4 in the main rest position.

[0065] The auxiliary actuation mechanism 5 includes an auxiliary actuation return device 56 which is configured to drive the auxiliary actuation mechanism 5 towards the auxiliary rest position according to the arrow 520 on Figure 1 . In particular, the auxiliary actuation return device 56 may include a torsion spring.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary actuation mechanism 5 includes an auxiliary actuation lever 52. The auxiliary actuation lever 52 is rotatably mounted about the mounting bracket 10 around an auxiliary activation rotation axis 522 ( Figure 1 ). According to the embodiment, the auxiliary actuation return device 56 is configured to drive the auxiliary actuation lever 52 towards the auxiliary rest position range according to the arrow 520 on Figure 1 .

[0067] The auxiliary actuation lever 52 includes an auxiliary actuation lever first end 52a which is configured to cooperate with the grasping member 2. The auxiliary actuation lever 52 includes an auxiliary actuation lever second end 52b which is configured to cooperate with the main actuation lever 44. The auxiliary actuation lever first end 52a and the auxiliary actuation lever second end 52b are located on opposite sides of the auxiliary activation rotation axis.

[0068] The auxiliary actuation lever 52 is configured to cooperate with the main actuation lever 44 so as to drive the main actuation lever 44 between the main activation position range and the main rest position.

[0069] The auxiliary actuation lever 52 cooperates with the main actuation lever 44 to drive the main actuation lever 44 towards the first rest position, as shown in Figure 3 . More specifically, the auxiliary actuation lever 52 is configured to drive the main actuation lever 44 so that the main actuation lever 44 returns to the main rest position.

[0070] The auxiliary actuation mechanism 5 includes an auxiliary actuation return device 56 which is configured to drive the main actuation mechanism 4 towards the main rest position according to the arrow 520 in Figure 1 and 3 .

[0071] The auxiliary actuation mechanism 5 is configured to bring the main actuation mechanism 4 to the main rest position after a predetermined time period after reaching a predetermined activation position within the range of the main activation position.

[0072] For this purpose, according to an embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary actuation return device 56 of the auxiliary actuation mechanism 5 includes a damper.

[0073] The damper allows the auxiliary actuation mechanism to slowly return to the auxiliary rest position, thereby allowing the main actuation mechanism to slowly return to the main rest position. Alternatively, the auxiliary actuation mechanism includes at least one damping element 530, which can be arranged on the auxiliary actuation mechanism and slows down the return movement of the auxiliary actuation mechanism 5. Preferably, at least one tooth flank 531, in particular a plurality of tooth flanks 531, is arranged on the auxiliary actuation mechanism 5 and is connected to at least one gearwheel 532 arranged on the auxiliary actuation mechanism 5. The gearwheel 532 cooperates with the plurality of tooth flanks 531 and acts as a damping element together with the tooth flanks 531, and slows down the return movement of the auxiliary actuation mechanism 5.

[0074] In operation, when the gripping member 2 is in the flush position, the first actuation rod 44 is in the main rest position and stops on the second end 52b of the auxiliary actuation rod, but does not stop on the gripping member 2. The auxiliary actuation rod 52 is in the auxiliary rest position, and the first end 52a of the auxiliary actuation rod stops on the adjustable stop 6 ( Figure 1 ). The gripping member 2 stops on the first end 52a of the auxiliary actuation rod.

[0075] The adjustable stop 6 allows adjustment of the position of the handle gripping member 2.

[0076] Adjustment of the adjustable stop 6 allows adjustment of the position of the auxiliary actuation rod 52, thereby adjusting the position of the gripping member 2 that stops on the auxiliary actuation rod 52.

[0077] This configuration corresponds to the equilibrium position that can be achieved due to the forces of different return devices. For this purpose, the force of the auxiliary actuation return device 56 is greater than the force of the main actuation return device 42, and the force of the main actuation return device 42 is greater than the force of the gripping return device 26.

[0078] The gripping axis, the main activation rotation axis 422, and the auxiliary activation rotation axis 522 can in particular be substantially parallel, that is, form a relative angle of less than 30°. In addition, the axes can be parallel to the general plane of the outer panel, that is, form a relative angle of less than 30° with the plane.

[0079] In operation, when the gripping member 2 is in the flush position, a user who wants to open the corresponding vehicle door pushes the gripping portion 22 towards the push position ( Figure 2 ).

[0080] The gripping member 2 is configured to be movable to a pushing position such that when the gripping portion 22 is pushed by a user in accordance with the Figure 2 arrow 22a in, the gripping lever 24 rotates about the gripping axis 240.

[0081] The gripping member 2 in the pushing position is configured to push the first end 52a of the auxiliary actuating lever such that the auxiliary actuating lever 52 moves towards the auxiliary activation position range ( Figure 2 ). In particular, the gripping member 2 pushes the first end 52a of the auxiliary actuating lever towards the interior of the vehicle. The gripping member 2 also contacts the main actuating lever 44 to push the main actuating lever 44, in particular, towards the interior of the vehicle ( Figure 2 ).

[0082] Since the first end 52a of the auxiliary actuating lever moves towards the inner side of the vehicle, the second end 52b of the auxiliary actuating lever located on the opposite side of the auxiliary activation rotation axis moves towards the outside of the vehicle. The main actuating lever 44 is thus released from contact with the second end 52b of the auxiliary actuating lever. The main actuating lever 44 is pushed towards the main actuating position range due to its return means ( Figure 2 and 3 ).

[0083] During the displacement of the main actuating lever 44, the latter contacts the gripping lever 24 of the gripping member 2 and drives the gripping member 2 towards the active position range ( Figure 3 ), because the force of the main actuating return means 42 is greater than the gripping return means 26.

[0084] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary actuating lever 52 is configured to directly return towards the auxiliary rest position due to its auxiliary actuating return means 56 after reaching the auxiliary activation position range.

[0085] The return of the auxiliary actuating lever 52 is slowed down due to the damper or damping element 530.

[0086] At a certain moment, the main actuating lever 44 moving towards the limit position within the main actuating position range contacts the second end 52b of the auxiliary actuating lever that has started to return towards the auxiliary rest position ( Figure 3 ).

[0087] The auxiliary actuating lever 52 pushes the main actuating lever 44 towards the main rest position against the force of the main actuating return means 42. This is possible because the force of the auxiliary actuating return means 56 is greater than the force of the main actuating return means 42.

[0088] As the main actuating lever 44 is driven to the main rest position, the gripping member 2 returns to the flush position due to its gripping return means 26.

[0089] Since the auxiliary actuation mechanism 5 is configured to bring the main actuation mechanism 4 to the main rest position after a predetermined time period after reaching a predetermined activation position within the main activation position range due to the damper or damping element 530, after the predetermined time period, the gripping member 2 is displaced from the active position to the flush position.

[0090] Due to the damper or damping element 530 of the auxiliary actuation mechanism 5, the gripping member 2 can return to the flush position with a damping effect.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the main activation position range of the main actuation mechanism 4 includes a set of positions between 12° and 15° relative to the main rest position. This configuration allows driving the gripping member 2 towards an active position range that includes a set of positions between 12° and 15° relative to the flush position that allows the user to grip the grip portion 22 of the handle.

[0092] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary actuation rod 52 is configured to return towards the auxiliary rest position after a predetermined time period instead of directly after reaching the auxiliary activation position.

[0093] This configuration allows the auxiliary actuation rod 52 to push the main actuation rod 44 after a predetermined time period and thus push the gripping member 2 after a predetermined time period. For example, the auxiliary actuation rod 52 can start returning to the auxiliary rest position after a predetermined time period included between 5 and 10 seconds.

[0094] This configuration corresponds, for example, to a stronger damping effect of the damper and / or to the free movement range of the auxiliary actuation rod 52 between the limit position where the grip portion 22 has pushed the auxiliary actuation rod 52 and the position where the second end 52b of the auxiliary actuation rod contacts the main actuation rod 44.

[0095] According to this configuration, after a predetermined time period, for example 5 or 10 seconds after reaching the active position range, the gripping member 2 is displaced from the active position range to the flush position.

[0096] According to this embodiment, the main activation position range of the main actuation mechanism 4 includes a single position between 12° and 15° relative to the main rest position. This configuration allows driving the gripping member 2 towards an active position range that includes a single position between 12° and 15° relative to the flush position that allows the user to grip the handle 1 at the grip portion 22.

[0097] Due to the damper or damping element 530 of the auxiliary actuation mechanism, the gripping member 2 can also return to the flush position with a damping effect.

[0098] Figure 6 is a top view of the handle 1. Figure 6The main activation rotation axis 422 and the auxiliary activation rotation axis 522 are shown, whereby the main activation rotation axis 422 and the auxiliary activation rotation axis 522 can in particular be substantially parallel, i.e. form a relative angle of less than 30°. Furthermore, the axes can be parallel to the general plane of the outer panel, i.e. form a relative angle of less than 30° with this plane. In this figure, the main actuation return means 42 and the auxiliary actuation return means 56 are obvious. The gripping member 2 comprises a gripping part 22 and a gripping lever 24. The gripping member 2 has an outer cover 222 and an inner cover 221. In Figures 1 to 4 the inner cover 221 is hidden.

[0099] The present invention has been described above with the aid of embodiments without restricting the general inventive concept as defined in the present application.

[0100] Referring to the above illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art will envision many modifications and variations, which are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, the scope of which is defined only by what is described in the present application.

Claims

1. A handle (1) for a vehicle door, comprising: - A grip member (2) configured to cooperate with a latch (3) of the vehicle door to unlock the vehicle door, wherein the grip member (2) includes a grip portion (22), and the grip member (2) is movable between: o A flush position where the grip portion (22) extends flush with the outer panel (12) of the vehicle door, o A range of active positions where the grip portion (22) protrudes relative to the outer panel (12) and becomes graspable, and o An open position where the grip member (2) is configured to cooperate with the latch (3) to unlock the vehicle door, wherein the grip member (2) includes a grip return device (26) configured to drive the grip member (2) towards the flush position, - A main actuation mechanism (4) movable between: o A range of main activation positions where the main actuation mechanism (4) is configured to cooperate with the grip member (2) and push the grip member (2) towards the range of active positions, and o A main rest position where the main actuation mechanism (4) is configured to release the grip member (2), and - An auxiliary actuation mechanism (5) movable between: o A range of auxiliary activation positions where the auxiliary actuation mechanism (5) is configured to cooperate with the main actuation mechanism (4) and push the main actuation mechanism (4) towards the main rest position, and o An auxiliary rest position where the auxiliary actuation mechanism (5) is configured to hold the main actuation mechanism (4) in the main rest position, wherein the auxiliary actuation mechanism (5) is configured to bring the main actuation mechanism (4) to the main rest position after a predetermined time period after reaching a predetermined activation position within the range of main activation positions, wherein the main actuation mechanism (4) includes a main actuation return device (42) configured to drive the main actuation mechanism (4) towards the range of activation positions, wherein the auxiliary actuation mechanism (5) includes an auxiliary actuation return device (56) configured to drive the main actuation mechanism (4) towards the main rest position, and wherein the force of the auxiliary actuation return device (56) is greater than the force of the main actuation return device (42), and the force of the main actuation return device (42) is greater than the force of the grip return device (26).

2. The handle according to claim 1, wherein the grip member (2) is configured to be movable to a push position where the grip member (2) is configured to push the auxiliary actuation mechanism (5) towards the range of auxiliary activation positions.

3. The handle according to claim 1, wherein the grip member (2) is displaced from the range of active positions to the flush position under a damping action.

4. The handle according to claim 1, wherein the return device (56) of the auxiliary actuation mechanism (5) includes a damper or a damping element (530).

5. The handle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein After a predetermined period of time, the gripping member (2) is displaced from the range of active positions to the flush position.

6. The handle according to claim 5, wherein, the predetermined period of time is between 5 seconds and 10 seconds.

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